Lavender-Neroli Aromatherapy for Reducing Dental Anxiety and Pain in Children During Anesthesia: A Two-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of lavender-neroli oil aromatherapy in managing dental anxiety and pain in children undergoing inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) anesthesia. Methods. Fifty-four children aged 6-11 years were randomly assigned to either a control group or an aromatherapy group. Children in the control group were asked to wear a regular scented-free nitrous oxide mask. Children in the control group were asked to wear a regular scented-free nitrous oxide mask. Children in the intervention group inhaled lavender-neroli oil via a nitrous oxide nasal mask for 5 min before and during IANB administration. Anxiety and pain levels were assessed pre-and post-treatment using the Facial Image Scale (FIS), Face-Legs-Activity-Cry-Consolability (FLACC) scale, and vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation). The collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software 20. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for analyzing FIS results, and the independent T test and T Paired test were used for analyzing heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation results. Results. Results demonstrated significantly lower anxiety, heart rate, blood pressure, and pain scores in the aromatherapy group compared to the control group (p < 0.05), with no significant change in oxygen saturation. Conclusions. Lavender-neroli aromatherapy is a safe, low-cost, and effective adjunct to reduce anxiety and discomfort during pediatric dental anesthesia.